What Makes a Hot link a TEXAS HOT LINK?

[dirtworldmike]

Been doing research and checking out recipes on here for Texas Hot links.  As the title says  what makes a Texas Hot link different from just any other hot sausage ie. hot Italian, corusio, ect? 

I'm thinking at this point a 90/10 mixture of beef to pork and oak wood smoke.

Would like ya'lls opinion.  Thanks!

 

[bama bbq]

I remember the red color is distinctive between Italian Hots and Red Hots. My dad loved them.

 

[mjeffcoat]

Well being a Texas raised boy the two are miles apart both in flavor and composition. Texas hot links come in red casings and are a mix of beef and pork with traditional southwest spices added.

 

[crankybuzzard]

Duh, it's made in Texas! :biggrin:

Seriously though, what MJeffCoat said is pretty close. To get the deep red color, smoked paprika is your friend. A little goes a long way.